Gurgaon: Leading private sector organizations, hospitals, civil societies, RWAs and government organizations came together on National Dengue Day to draft a comprehensive action plan and constitute the ‘Gurgaon Task Force’ to tackle the menace of vector-borne diseases in the city. Under the initiative of DLF Foundation in collaboration with Health Department, Gurgaon, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India with Synergie, as its partner, an interactive session was also organized on vector-borne diseases. NBCC, DHFL, Max Hospitals, Medanta, research scholars from JNU and RWA representatives were among those present at the occasion.

The session was held on National Dengue Day in the wake of approaching monsoon which witnesses the onslaught of vector-borne diseases every year.

The keynote speaker for the session, Dr. Kanta Goel, CMO, Gurgaon said: “Education and awareness generation can be crucial to tackle the onslaught of vector-borne diseases in Gurgaon. One needs to be proactive and try educating oneself and the community.”

“The case of vector borne diseases reflects the paradox of development. On one hand, we claim to be advanced equipped with latest technology, on the other hand, we are struggling to tackle these diseases which are absolutely curable and preventable,” said Ms. Mohini Daljeet Singh, CEO, Max Foundation. Stressing the role of folk media, she highlighted how puppet shows can be crucial spreading awareness.

The participants were divided into different groups and were asked to come up with suggestions to tackle the menace. These groups made interactive presentations focusing on how to combat vector –borne diseases.

“The session on vector-borne diseases was really informative and made us aware of the magnitude of the problem. We recognize our crucial role in implementing the blueprint to tackle the menace of vector-borne diseases,” said Dr. S.N. Misra, Wellington DLF-5.

Summarizing the need and way forward to combat vector borne diseases Col. Prakash Tewari, Advisor, DLF Foundation said “There is an urgent need to address the issue of vector borne disease in Gurgaon and collaboration holds the key. We are trying to get all the Corporates, hospitals, RWA’s and other organizations who are working towards this under one umbrella and collectively take steps in sync with the government to control VBD in Gurgaon.”

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Paul Linus - Paul Linus is an eminent online journalist who has been writing news, features and editorials on different websites from across the world for about a decade.